Anderson jury selection begins

Jury selection was scheduled to begin today for an Everett man accused of the shooting death of Rachel Burkheimer.

John Anderson, 22, is charged with aggravated murder for allegedly abducting, beating and killing Burkheimer, 18, of Marysville, in September 2002. She was a former girlfriend. He faces life in prison without release if convicted.

Lawyers on Monday morning sparred over what evidence will be presented to jurors. Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Linda Krese reserved ruling on several matters, including what limits she’ll place on information that Burkheimer’s death allegedly was connected to an Everett-based gang that supported itself through drug trafficking and robberies.

Anderson’s attorney, public defender Susan Gaer, asked the judge to exclude references to her client’s nickname, "Diggy," which she argued could prejudice jurors against him.

Deputy prosecutors Michael Downes and Julie Mohr countered that Anderson signs letters with his nickname, and that many of the witnesses only knew him by the moniker. Krese decided witnesses who knew Anderson as "Diggy" should be able to refer to him that way.

Jury selection is expected to take all week. Opening statements in the case aren’t expected before April 29.

Anderson’s jury is being selected roughly two weeks after a co-defendant, Yusef "Kevin" Jihad, 34, of Everett, was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy. Jihad was portrayed as ordering Burkheimer’s death. Witnesses testified Anderson carried out the killing.

Gaer earlier asked Krese to move Anderson’s trial out of the county, but the judge said she wants to see if a jury can be chosen here first.

Anderson’s trial is expected to last until mid-May. The aggravated murder trial for a third co-defendant, John Whitaker, 23, of Everett is scheduled for late May.

Burkheimer was slain Sept. 23, 2002. She died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

The Everett Municipal Building on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett council approves $111 million construction of sewer project

The Port Gardner Storage Facility, in the works for more than a decade, will help prevent overflows of the city sewer system.

Two students walk along a path through campus Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. A group of nearly 20 community groups are planning to study how to make it easier for young people to find jobs. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Goal for Everett coalition: Make it easier for young people to find jobs

The organizations hope the months-long process will improve access to resources for young people.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.